Windows 10: Windows Security/ Defender is disabled and I am unable to enable it

Hi All,


Just yesterday I was trying to install a free word editing software. While installing it asked me to turn off real time protection and cloud based protection under Virus and threat protection. I did so and later it asked me to run a patch file which again I followed. After that I observed that there was some app or function continuously running in the background which I could not close even through Task manager. There was also an occasional command window ,with some commands ,coming up on screen just for a small second which I could not read also my laptop's fan was running at full speed even though I was not using any app or software. I got scared and uninstalled that software immediately and disconnected the internet. Since then I am having below issues:


1. Windows update : I am not getting any option to check for updates rather it says "Something went wrong. Try to reopen setting later".


2.Windows Security : Under security at a glance usually there are 6-7 options but I am not getting any of them just a black screen.


I have also observed that security center , Windows defender and windows update options are disabled when checked using "services.msc" command .


Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks




:)

 

Windows Defender disabled and is unable to start


OK. I am not sure if you can complete the steps below.......................
In the search box, type services.msc > Enter
Items in the Services box are listed alphabetically.
Scroll down to Windows Defender Service...........................
at Status heading, it should be.................................... Running
at Startup type, it should be......................................... Automatic







If that is not what yours said, right click at Windows Defender Service > click Properties >
can you change the Startup type to Automatic and Service status to Start ?
If yes, do so and click OK when done.

 

Windows defender couldnt be enable after being disabled

Hello Imtiaz,

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

I appreciate your interest on Windows 10.

Before we proceed I would like you to answer the following questions:

• 
  Have you installed any third-party security software on your computer?
  
• 
  Are you using administrator account?
  
• 
  Is the computer connected to domain?
  
• 
  Did you try restarting the computer and check?
  

I suggest you to follow the methods below:

Method 1

update the group policy and check.

• 
  Press Windows key + R.
  
• 
  Type Gpupdate and press enter.
  
• 
  Then try enabling the Windows defender in group policy and check.
  

This issue usually arises when you have installed a security software on your computer. From Windows 8 onwards, the Windows Defender is equipped with all the functionalities of an anti-virus software including real-time protection which was not
present in Windows Defender in Windows 7.

Method 2

If you have any third-party security software installed, I would suggest you to uninstall thatsoftware and then upgrade to Windows 10. As it is not recommended to keep more than 1 anti-virus software with real-time protection.

Important Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable/uninstall your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable/uninstall
it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Whenever you install a third-party security software in Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, it automatically disables Windows Defender to avoid conflicts.

Method 3

I suggest you to follow the steps below to turn on the windows defender.

• 
  Type control panel in the search box.
  
• 
  Choose the Action Center under
  System and Security option.
  
• 
  You see the notification that Windows defender is turned off below the
  Security label. Hit the Turn on now tab to active the Windows Defender again.
  

Please get back to us with updated status. We will be happy to assist you further.

 

How to disable windows defender for long time?

Hi Andrew,

If I understand you correctly you are willing to disable Windows Defender from your system. I would like to know few more things to understand the issue in a better way.

• Why are you trying to disable Windows Defender? Are you planning to install any third party security software?
• From where you have followed the steps to disable Windows defender using registry?
• Are you logged in as Administrator?

The steps which you have mentioned to disable Windows Defender using gpedit.msc is correct. If you are unable to disable it then you may do that by stopping the service responsible for Windows Defender. Here are steps which you may follow to perform the
same task.

• Press Windows key + R to open run box.
• Type services.msc and hit enter.
• There should be 2 services: Windows Defender Service
  and Windows Defender Network14.
• Right click on each and press stop.

If you will stop the service responsible for Windows Defender then it will not run till it is stopped. Do get back to us with all the information required and result of proposed suggestion. We will be happy to assist you further.

Regards,